Barbecue feast will help burn victims

Residents will have the opportunity to do two worthwhile things Saturday - give to charity and eat some barbecue.

Graphics Magic Events is sponsoring the Evans Best Barbecue Showdown at Doctors Hospital's Field located behind the Evans Kroger on Washington Road.

All proceeds will be donated to the Southern Firefighters Burn Foundation Inc., which treats and houses burn victims and their families.

Admission to the event, which begins at 10 a.m., will be $2.

Those wanting to buy food or beverages will be able to buy tickets for $1.

"If everyone would buy $10 worth, we'd be set," said Gloria Cantey, the event coordinator.

Judging by the variety of venders scheduled, spending $10 may not be that hard to do.

Cantey said venders from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida are expected to be on hand. Also, seven firefighters from four local firehouses will have a booth.

"If you like barbecue, this is the place to be," Cantey said.

Along with food, attendees will be able to shop at several arts and crafts booths, listen to live entertainment and hang out with members of the Augusta Stallions football team.

Their will also be a competition to see which barbecue is the best. Cantey said nine trophies will be awarded in three categories - restaurant, backyard novice and fire house division.

The best thing, Cantey said, is that it's all for charity.

"I'm not sure the general public knows what (the Southern Firefighters Burn Foundation Inc.) does," Cantey said. "This will give them a chance to learn about this wonderful charity."